Great (and positive) expectations

Thinking that your efforts won't pay off? Up against a Goliath figure to your David-like possibility of a promotion? Feeling totally hopeless about the country's future? Fret not. Science shows the benefits of a "sunny-side-up" disposition:

Study Verifies Power of Positive Thinking

By Lauran Neergaard
Associated Press
posted: 28 November 2005
08:05 pm ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Your medicine really could work better if your doctor talks it up before handing over the prescription.

Research is showing the power of expectations, that they have physical -- not just psychological -- effects on your health. Scientists can measure the resulting changes in the brain, from the release of natural painkilling chemicals to alterations in how neurons fire.

Among the most provocative findings: New research suggests that once Alzheimer's disease robs someone of the ability to expect that a proven painkiller will help them, it doesn't work nearly as well.


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